Whether you’re new to the workforce or have many years of experience, career development is always a priority. Digital technology has fundamentally altered the way we work. Furthermore, the market is constantly changing, so adaptability and flexibility are crucial to career and business success.
Regardless of whether you are a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or a business owner, there are three things you need to do to thrive in the digital age. Focusing on these tasks will help you stay ahead of the curve and master the ever-shifting digital terrain.
1. Develop the skills you need in the digital age
Succeeding in the digital age requires developing a set of skills. Some of these skills have been crucial to career success in every era, while others didn’t even exist a couple of decades ago.
–> a. Communication and collaboration. In a world of distributed teams, virtual meetings, and remote work, collaboration and teamwork have become more important than ever. New collaboration tools enable people to work together, but communication, active listening, and the ability to form strong relationships are valuable qualities.
–> b. Creativity and innovation. As technology has taken over many routine and repetitive tasks, creativity and originality have become key career differentiators. Employers and clients value new ideas and suggestions for improvement and innovation.
–> c. Digital literacy. In the modern age, even many professions that aren’t directly related to technology require a basic level of digital literacy. This includes basic computer skills, proficiency with common tools and platforms, and an understanding of cybersecurity.
–> d. Data literacy. Innovation today relies on data to identify areas for improvement and measure success. So, you will need to acquire skills in data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Working knowledge of some data analysis tools will enable you to draw conclusions and make data-based decisions.
–> e. Adaptability and resilience. In this fast-paced world, in which some businesses thrive while others fall by the wayside, adaptability and resilience are important qualities. Cultivate a mindset of continual growth and learning, embrace change instead of resisting it, and take care of your physical and mental health through healthy habits and a positive outlook.
–> f. Emotional intelligence. Along with communication and collaboration, emotional intelligence is an important attribute in the digital age. Self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage your and others’ emotions to form close working relationships are important stepping-stones on the path to career success.
2. Future-Proof Your Skill Set
There’s a famous saying that the only constant is change. This is particularly true in the digital age. That’s why you must make sure you’re prepared for whatever the future might bring, so you won’t be rendered obsolete by the next big paradigm shift.
–> a. Continual learning is the best way to keep your skills up to date. Picking up new digital skills can bring both personal and financial rewards. Learning new things can lead to a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, a Gallup survey found workers who upskilled experienced an 8.6% increase in salary and greater job satisfaction.
–> b. Developing competencies in digital skills needed for your current or future job will help ensure career longevity. If you speak with management about what skills your organization needs and then develop those skills, you will increase your value to your company and other organizations. You can also review job listings for jobs you want to see what digital skills are cited.
Some forward-looking organizations sponsor training and certifications in high-demand digital skills as a way to attract and retain employees. If these aren’t available at your company, there are multiple self-study options like Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and massive open online courses (MOOCs).
3. Network Effectively
Another famous saying is that the best time to look for a job is when you already have one. If your industry has high turnover, keeping your skills current is a good way to ensure you’re well-positioned for the next round of layoffs. Another good way is to network. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and also forges connections with industry leaders and peers. Here are some ideas for networking in the digital age:
–> a. Make use of social media platforms. Nowadays, much of the networking takes place on LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook and Instagram. Keeping your social media profiles up-to-date and staying active will help keep you front and center in the minds of potential employers. Joining relevant groups, sharing and contributing valuable content, and connecting with others can enable you to use the tremendous power of social media for networking.
–> b. Join professional associations and groups. These associations and groups offer valuable networking opportunities. Research groups that are relevant to your industry and interests, attend events and actively participate, contribute to online discussions in forums by offering and seeking advice, and volunteer for committees and leadership positions to raise your online profile.
–> c. Attend industry conferences and events. Regularly attending conferences helps increase your visibility and identify networking opportunities. Research each event in advance to identify speakers and sessions of interest, so you can make the best use of your time. Participate actively in discussions, use networking sessions, and follow up with new acquaintances on social media to strengthen your connections.
–> d. Collaborate with others. Collaborating with others on white papers, webinars, and podcasts is a powerful way to build deeper professional relationships. Identify potential partners, contribute high-quality content, and help promote your shared work on social media. A successful partnership can lead to referrals and future opportunities.
–> e. Consider personal branding. Developing a personal brand can build trust and credibility. You can establish yourself as an authority in your field and attract potential collaborators. Some ways to establish your personal brand are by distributing valuable content through blog posts, videos, podcasts, or webinars; contributing guest articles to industry publications; speaking at conferences; and offering online courses and workshops.
Whether you’re new to the workforce or have many years of experience, career development is always a priority. Digital technology has fundamentally altered the way we work. Furthermore, the market is constantly changing, so adaptability and flexibility are crucial to career and business success.
Regardless of whether you are a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or a business owner, there are three things you need to do to thrive in the digital age. Focusing on these tasks will help you stay ahead of the curve and master the ever-shifting digital terrain.
1. Develop the skills you need in the digital age
Succeeding in the digital age requires developing a set of skills. Some of these skills have been crucial to career success in every era, while others didn’t even exist a couple of decades ago.
–> a. Communication and collaboration. In a world of distributed teams, virtual meetings, and remote work, collaboration and teamwork have become more important than ever. New collaboration tools enable people to work together, but communication, active listening, and the ability to form strong relationships are valuable qualities.
–> b. Creativity and innovation. As technology has taken over many routine and repetitive tasks, creativity and originality have become key career differentiators. Employers and clients value new ideas and suggestions for improvement and innovation.
–> c. Digital literacy. In the modern age, even many professions that aren’t directly related to technology require a basic level of digital literacy. This includes basic computer skills, proficiency with common tools and platforms, and an understanding of cybersecurity.
–> d. Data literacy. Innovation today relies on data to identify areas for improvement and measure success. So, you will need to acquire skills in data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Working knowledge of some data analysis tools will enable you to draw conclusions and make data-based decisions.
–> e. Adaptability and resilience. In this fast-paced world, in which some businesses thrive while others fall by the wayside, adaptability and resilience are important qualities. Cultivate a mindset of continual growth and learning, embrace change instead of resisting it, and take care of your physical and mental health through healthy habits and a positive outlook.
–> f. Emotional intelligence. Along with communication and collaboration, emotional intelligence is an important attribute in the digital age. Self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage your and others’ emotions to form close working relationships are important stepping-stones on the path to career success.
2. Future-Proof Your Skill Set
There’s a famous saying that the only constant is change. This is particularly true in the digital age. That’s why you must make sure you’re prepared for whatever the future might bring, so you won’t be rendered obsolete by the next big paradigm shift.
–> a. Continual learning is the best way to keep your skills up to date. Picking up new digital skills can bring both personal and financial rewards. Learning new things can lead to a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, a Gallup survey found workers who upskilled experienced an 8.6% increase in salary and greater job satisfaction.
–> b. Developing competencies in digital skills needed for your current or future job will help ensure career longevity. If you speak with management about what skills your organization needs and then develop those skills, you will increase your value to your company and other organizations. You can also review job listings for jobs you want to see what digital skills are cited.
Some forward-looking organizations sponsor training and certifications in high-demand digital skills as a way to attract and retain employees. If these aren’t available at your company, there are multiple self-study options like Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and massive open online courses (MOOCs).
3. Network Effectively
Another famous saying is that the best time to look for a job is when you already have one. If your industry has high turnover, keeping your skills current is a good way to ensure you’re well-positioned for the next round of layoffs. Another good way is to network. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and also forges connections with industry leaders and peers. Here are some ideas for networking in the digital age:
–> a. Make use of social media platforms. Nowadays, much of the networking takes place on LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook and Instagram. Keeping your social media profiles up-to-date and staying active will help keep you front and center in the minds of potential employers. Joining relevant groups, sharing and contributing valuable content, and connecting with others can enable you to use the tremendous power of social media for networking.
–> b. Join professional associations and groups. These associations and groups offer valuable networking opportunities. Research groups that are relevant to your industry and interests, attend events and actively participate, contribute to online discussions in forums by offering and seeking advice, and volunteer for committees and leadership positions to raise your online profile.
–> c. Attend industry conferences and events. Regularly attending conferences helps increase your visibility and identify networking opportunities. Research each event in advance to identify speakers and sessions of interest, so you can make the best use of your time. Participate actively in discussions, use networking sessions, and follow up with new acquaintances on social media to strengthen your connections.
–> d. Collaborate with others. Collaborating with others on white papers, webinars, and podcasts is a powerful way to build deeper professional relationships. Identify potential partners, contribute high-quality content, and help promote your shared work on social media. A successful partnership can lead to referrals and future opportunities.
–> e. Consider personal branding. Developing a personal brand can build trust and credibility. You can establish yourself as an authority in your field and attract potential collaborators. Some ways to establish your personal brand are by distributing valuable content through blog posts, videos, podcasts, or webinars; contributing guest articles to industry publications; speaking at conferences; and offering online courses and workshops.
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